Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Ipshita Johri
MBBS, DDV | Skinfinity Derma Clinic
Read Time: 8 Minutes

Pimples on Underarms: Causes, Pain Relief Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Underarm pimples are also painful and frustrating to see. A pimple in the armpits unlike the blemish that you might have on your face every now and then will be very uncomfortable because of the constant friction on the armpits from your arms and clothing. It hardly matters whether this is a small red spot or a list of repeat breakouts under the armpit, but first and foremost, you need to know what is causing the problem so that you can treat it.

In this detailed guide, we shall discuss the reasons why pimples under armpit exist, the ways of coping with the pain, and the most effective treatment for pimples under armpit in major clinics such as Skinfinity Derma.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Underarm

The armpit (axilla) is a unique environment. It is dark, warm, and moist—the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It contains a high density of hair follicles and sweat glands (both eccrine and apocrine). When these become clogged or infected, you end up with underarm pimples.

In cities like Delhi and Noida, where pollution levels are high, dust and grime can easily settle into the skin, exacerbating these issues. Conversely, in humid coastal cities like Mumbai or Chennai, excessive sweating often leads to fungal infections that mimic the appearance of breakouts under armpit.

Common Causes of Pimples Under Armpit

Finding a pimple in underarm folders can be attributed to several factors ranging from hygiene habits to chronic medical conditions.

1. Folliculitis

Perhaps the most frequent reason for pimples under the armpit is this. When a hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected, typically by bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), it is known as folliculitis. It looks like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles.

2. Pseudofolliculitis, or ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs, which happen when a hair curls back and grows into the skin, are common in people who shave or wax. Painful underarm pimples are the result of this inflammatory reaction.

3. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

You may have HS if you have deep, painful, recurrent breakouts under your armpit that occasionally leave scars. This is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that needs to be treated by a medical professional.

4. Dermatitis by Contact

The skin beneath the arms is delicate. Red, itchy pimples under the armpit can result from allergic reactions caused by harsh chemicals found in deodorants, antiperspirants, and even laundry detergents used in homes in cities like Bangalore or Pune.

5. Chafing and Friction

Skin-on-skin friction and tight synthetic clothing can cause "intertrigo," which frequently manifests as a rash or breakouts under the armpit in people who are active or who live in hot climates. 

Comparing Different Types of Underarm Bumps

To choose the right treatment for pimples under armpit, you must first identify what you are dealing with.

Condition	Appearance	Primary Cause	Pain Level
Folliculitis	Small red/white bumps around hair	Bacterial/Fungal infection	Mild to Moderate
Ingrown Hair	Raised red bump, sometimes hair visible	Improper shaving/waxing	Moderate
Hidradenitis Suppurativa	Deep, boil-like lumps, scarring	Genetic/Hormonal/Immune	High (Chronic)
Cyst	Smooth, firm lump under skin	Blocked oil glands	Low (unless infected)
Contact Dermatitis	Red, itchy rash or small blisters	Chemical irritation	Itchy / Burning

Geographic Impact: Why Your City Matters

Environmental factors play a massive role in skin health.

• Delhi/NCR: The high particulate matter (PM2.5) can clog pores, leading to more frequent breakouts under armpit.

• Mumbai/Kolkata: High humidity keeps the underarms perpetually moist, increasing the risk of fungal-based underarm pimples.

• Bangalore: The relatively stable weather might reduce sweat-related issues, but the hard water in many areas can disrupt the skin barrier, making a pimple in underarm more likely to become infected.

The Lifestyle Connection: Diet, Weight, and HS

While external factors like shaving and hygiene are important, internal health plays a massive role in the development of painful underarm lesions.

Obesity and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

There is a strong medical link between obesity and axillary papulo-nodular lesions, specifically Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). Excess body weight increases skin-on-skin friction and sweat production in the armpit folds. Furthermore, adipose (fat) tissue can promote systemic inflammation, which triggers or worsens HS flare-ups.

The Impact of Diet

What you eat directly affects your skin's inflammatory response. High-glycemic diets and dairy have been linked to increased breakouts. To manage and prevent underarm pimples, dermatologists recommend:

• Weight Management: Reducing weight can significantly decrease the frequency and severity of HS and intertrigo.

• Regular Exercise: Staying active helps manage hormones and weight, though it is vital to shower immediately after to remove sweat.

• Dietary Changes: Cut down on refined sugars, processed foods, and deep-fried items. These foods spike insulin levels, which can stimulate oil production and inflammation in the hair follicles.

Pain Relief and Immediate Management

If you have a painful pimple in underarm, follow these steps for immediate relief:

1. Warm Compress: This involves placing a warm, wet towel on the part to be treated and then leave it on the part 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times per day. This assists in the extraction of pus and is pain-reducing.

2. Avoid Shaving: To prevent infectious spread, it is important to avoid shaving or waxing until the pimples of the underarm heal fully.

3. Loose Clothing: Loose cotton clothes should be worn to reduce friction and ensure the skin breathes.

4. Topical Antiseptics: Washing with over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide might assist in decreasing the number of bacteria, though a dermatologist must be consulted.

Professional Treatment for Pimples Under Armpit

While home care helps, chronic or painful breakouts under armpit require professional expertise. Skinfinity Derma offers advanced solutions tailored to individual skin types.

1. Medical Grade Peels

Salicylic acid or Mandelic acid peels can exfoliate the dead skin cells and clear the pores, preventing the formation of underarm pimples.

2. Laser Hair Reduction (LHR)

This is the gold standard treatment for pimples under armpit caused by ingrown hairs or folliculitis. By destroying the hair follicle, LHR eliminates the root cause of the irritation.

3. Prescription Medications

For bacterial infections, dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics. In cases of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, advanced biologics or hormonal therapy may be required.

4. Incision and Drainage

For large, painful cysts or abscesses, a sterile drainage procedure performed by a professional at Skinfinity Derma can provide instant relief.

Skinfinity Derma Insights: A Holistic Approach

At Skinfinity Derma, we believe that a pimple in underarm is not just a surface issue; it’s a sign that your skin's ecosystem is out of balance.

Expert Tip from Dr. Ipshita Johri (Skinfinity Derma):
"Many patients mistake Hidradenitis Suppurativa for regular acne. Using generic acne creams on HS can actually worsen the condition. Always seek a professional diagnosis if your 

Skinfinity’s Protocol for Underarm Care:

• Step 1: Digital Skin Analysis to identify if the bump is a cyst, infection, or HS.

• Step 2: Custom Skincare Regime including pH-balanced cleansers.

• Step 3: Advanced Intervention like Long-pulse Nd:YAG lasers for safe hair removal on pigmented skin.

Why Choose Skinfinity Derma?

Choosing the right clinic for treatment for pimples under armpit is crucial for long-term results.

1. Indian Skin: Our dermatologists know the peculiarities of the melanin-saturated skin, so they do not leave hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after treatment.

2. Sophisticated Technology: We apply US-FDA approved lasers and apparatus in the treatment of underarm pimples and any scarring thereof.

3. Hygienic Environment: Skin infections are easily contagious; our clinic facilities in Noida and Delhi operate according to the highest international safety and hygienic standards.

4. Individualized Care: There is no such thing as a homogenous skin. Our plans are customized plans of the breakouts under armpit depending on your lifestyle, city where you live and your skin type.

5. Proven Results: Our integrated approach has been able to treat the chronic pimples under armpit successfully in thousands of patents.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Future Breakouts

Prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to a sensitive area like the axilla.

• Cleanse Often: An exfoliant (such as a lotion with Lactic acid) should be used to loosen the dead skin around the follicles by rubbing it gently with a chemical once or twice a week.

• Select Deodorants Carefully: Do not use those that contain high alcohols or artificial perfumes. Use non-comedogenic or dermatologically tested.

• Correct Shaving: When shaving, shave with a sharp and clean blade in a direction of hair growth. Better still, go to Laser Hair Reduction at Skinfinity Derma.

• After Exercise Hygiene: Take a shower right after working out so as to remove the sweat and the bacteria that cause pimples at the armpits.

• Hydration and Diet: High-glycemic diets have the potential to cause inflammation. Take lots of water and consume foods rich in antioxidants to ensure your skin is free of underarm breakouts.

Conclusion

Addressing pimples under the armpits is literally painful, though you do not have to take it quietly. Simple lifestyle solutions can be as well as complex medical procedures involving pimples under armpit, and there are numerous methods of how to have a smooth, clear skin.

Your armpits should be treated with some special attention, whether it is the damp streets of Mumbai or the dusty weather of Delhi. When you are fed up with recurring breakouts under armpit, then it is time to go straight to the professionals.

Skinfinity Derma offers the most superior, safe and effective solutions to any skin concerns. Does a pimple under the armpit prevent you to wear your sleeveless clothes or have confidence?

Book your consultation with Skinfinity Derma today and say goodbye to underarm pimples for good!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it safe to pop a pimple underarm?

No. Squeezing the pimples under the armpits may cause the infection to spread deeper into the skin causing more serious abscess, permanent scarring and even systemic infection.

Q2. Is it possible that stress leads to breakouts under armpit?

Yes, stress will cause the production of cortisol which may enhance the level of sweat and oil production that may result into pimples under the armpits.

Q3. What is the healing time of a pimple in underarm?

When taken care of, a simple pimple in underarm would heal within 57 days. When it continues beyond this duration, then pimples under armpit have to be treated by a professional.

Q4. Will Laser Hair Removal treat underarm pimples?

Absolutely. LHR happens to be one of the best methods of preventing the recurrence of underarm pimples as a result of shaving and ingrown hairs.